The World Allergy Organization kicked off World Allergy Week this morning in a conference call involving allergy experts around the world with a goal to educate and create awareness of anaphylaxis as a growing public health concern.  Around the world, allergies and anaphylaxis are on the rise, currently affecting anywhere from 0.3% of the European population to 1.6% (or more) of the U.S. population.

While anaphylaxis is a life threatening syndrome affecting allergic individuals all over the world, there are still many individuals and organizations around the world that do not recognize anaphylaxis as a growing health concern.  Joanna Jones of Seoul Korea stated that she has witnessed a disbelieving educator at a local school persistently try to convince a child to eat a food he is allergic to, even though the child’s parents had previously explained the seriousness of their child’s allergy to his teacher and school.  Thankfully, the child stood his ground and did not eat the risky food.

Because anaphylaxis is a world-wide growing concern that can result in fatalities, it is the responsibility of each member of society (even those without allergies) to become educated on the topic.  The more people know how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis, the more lives will be saved!

Please help spread the word about anaphylaxis this week using the hashtag #WorldAllergyWeek.

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